I just was given a shotgun that I would like to find out more about. On the barrel is shows EIG - BRESCIA - Italy.

When I take it apart I have several markings and a serial # 24447 and G. Bignotti &. On the underside of the barrel I have XIX with PSF Finito and circles with stars above both. It also has an M and what looks like a crown over an arrow with the letters G.B.F. It has some really elaborate scroll work as well.

zippy13

February 27, 2009, 08:29 PM

The encircled star above PSF is the Italian government proof mark for smokeless powder and the one with Finito is the interim black powder proof mark (dates way back). These are specific to the Gardone & Brescia proof house. The XIX may indicate 1963 as the year of proof.

ASL1223

February 27, 2009, 09:05 PM

Any idea of what this would be worth? I asked at a shop today and they said they would put an $700 price tag on it.

zippy13

February 27, 2009, 09:45 PM

Sorry, I don't have a clue on the value -- all sorts of firearms come out of Brescia. Perhaps you could post some pictures.

Scorch

February 28, 2009, 01:34 PM

A few additions to zippy13's excellent post:

* G Bignotti is probably the firm that made the barrels, apparently EIG does not make their own barrels.

* PSF is the smokeless proof mark from test firing, FINITO (means "finished") is applied when the proofing is done to the complete gun, meaning the barrels are not proofed prior to assembly.

* The name EIG has been used by several firearms manufacturers in different countries, generally adding to the confusion about these firearms.

* Further confusion comes from the fact that many firearms companies in Italy, including the Val Gardone and Brescia areas, assemble firearms from parts provided by specialty shops (barrelmakers, stock makers, lock makers, etc), or have the firearms assembled by such shops and just package them and ship them under their own name. This does not detract from the quality of those firearms, but it does make people a little leary of them due to the prospect of trying to find parts in case they are needed.

Asphalt Guy

January 8, 2013, 11:45 AM

Is this it?

mach1.3

January 16, 2013, 01:49 PM

I have an EIG replica 1851 Navy Colt .36cal. blackpowder revolver. I don't know if this is the same EIG of your shotgun but maybe. I thought they imported firearms into the states and were HQ'd in Florida somewhere but are now defunct?

BigD_in_FL

January 16, 2013, 05:33 PM

Pictures are worth thousands of words - post some of the gun and then the barrel flats and water table

zippy13

January 17, 2013, 01:33 PM

FYI: the OP hasn't been active since March 2009, I'm guessing we'll see no pics.